Total Recall

Movie Review: «Total Recall».

English Title: Total Recall.
Production: USA, 2012.
Release Date: 01.08.2012 (USA), 29.08.2012 (UK).
Russia Distirbutor: WDSSPR Sony (09.08.2012).
Official Website:
Genres: Action / Adventure / Remake / Sci-Fi / Thriller.
Director: Len Wiseman.
Starring: Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel, Bill Nighy.
Running Time: 118 minutes.

The Total Recall film is making its focus on the visuals and computer graphics, although some objects were created in full size on the set. The destruction staged by the DNeg studio, which was supervised by Peter Chiang. The team in the past has provided special effects for various titles, including fairy tale Stardust (2007) and more recent John Carter (2012). Double Negative Visual Effects studio is still proud of its Oscar for the special effects of Inception (2010) directed by Christopher Nolan. In this case, the topic of gravity is also given a significant role to let the characters experience a free fall and chase each other a lot, while fully armed.

The scenery looks rather impressive. Here the Production Designer named Patrick Tatopoulos came with some interesting decisions, partially inspired by his previous work – Underworld: Rise of the Lycans. More modern-styled interiors, where you can even see a traditional piano is accompanied by futuristic objects located all over the places. Car highways feature air lifts as exits, mobile phones are integrated into palms and touch sensors are used everywhere. Canadian cinematographer Paul Cameron in the past shot the Collateral (2004) action thriller, and this time he didn’t have to work with 3D-visuals as well. Though too often he relied on lens flare, making the image tiring out the eyes sometimes.

Even with a budget of 125 mln. USD the film has had a hard time earning money back in the box office. So far it has grossed around 71,5 mln. USD, but still it might earn more, thanks to the foreign markets. A certain audience will surely check out the special effects weighing down the role of a poor narrative. Total Recall soundtrack features some good mixes of electronic music and guitar sounds recorded by English composer Harry Gregson-Williams, recently also scoring the Prometheus thriller. This time again he collaborated with the Welsh band Hybrid. Last year they recorded an album for Cowboys & Aliens (2011) together.

GameScope Verdict

If this new Total Recall remake is evaluated in comparison to the original story, the fans of it will likely be disappointed by the script and bland characters, only trying to survive and destroy their enemies. However, in terms of visuals, the filmmakers made a spectacular popcorn feast being able to please the lovers of high-quality special effects, while not worrying much about the story presentation.

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Total Recall Film Trailer

Movie Score by GameScope:

7.0 / 10